Leo Avery Gher

IN MEMORY OF: Leo Avery Gher Serving Location: CRAIN PLEASANT GROVE-MURDALE FUNERAL HOME 31 Memorial Drive, Murphysboro, Illinois Leo Avery Gher, 80, passed away peacefully at his home on Lake Chautauqua in Murphysboro, Illinois, on September 30, 2025. Born in Chicago, Illinois, on August 23, 1945, Leo was the son of Walter A. and Laurene E. Gher. He is survived by his devoted wife, Nan; his daughters, Julianna Johnson (Erik) and Krista Kirn (Jamie); and three beloved grandchildren, Troy Brown, Jackson Kirn, and Grace Kirn. He is also survived by his brother, Robert (Bob), and nephew, Alex. Leo grew up in the Chicago area, where he attended Catholic schools before earning two degrees from Southern Illinois University Carbondale. He carried his lifelong passion for learning into his love of reading and writing. Ever a proud Saluki, Leo supported and helped produce many sports programs at SIUC. Leo’s career was defined by a dedication to education and media. He worked in broadcast radio and television management before becoming a full-time faculty member in the Department of Radio and Television at SIU-C. During his tenure, he was honored with two Fulbright grants, which allowed him to work internationally, assisting emerging democracies in developing and managing independent media. He also founded the Global Fusion Conference for communication professionals and authored numerous academic papers. After retiring from the University, Leo continued to share his talents as a consultant, teacher for SIU-C’s Learning in Retirement program, and as a writer. He published two novels, numerous poems, and was a proud member of the Illinois Poetry Society. Faith and fellowship were central to Leo’s life. He was an active member of Epiphany Lutheran Church, where he served as Treasurer and on many committees. Known for his love of family and friends, Leo delighted in hosting gatherings, recounting travel adventures, and raising a glass in good cheer. A Memorial Visitation will be held om Tuesday, October 21, 2025 from 5:00 PM until 7:00 PM at Crain Pleasant Grove-Murdale Funeral Home. An additional visitation will be held on Wednesday, October 22, 2025 from 10:00 AM until 11:00 AM at the Epiphany Lutheran Church in Carbondale with a Funeral Service following at 11:00 AM with Pastor Brian Coffey officiating. A Private Inurnment will take place at Pleasant Grove Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, the family requests with gratitude that memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Southern Illinois or Epiphany Lutheran Church. The cremation of Leo Avery Gher will be personally handled by the staff of Crain Funeral Home. Crain Pleasant Grove-Murdale Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Leo Avery Gher

August 23, 1945 - September 30, 2025